18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (2024)

When it comes to savory pies, chicken pot pie is *usually* the go-to for many home cooks. Instead of fussing with finicky pie crust, simplify your comfort food dinner routine with a hearty shepherd’s pie, traditionally a meat pie with a mashed potato crust. Whether you’re vegan, Paleo, or enjoy all things in moderation, we dug up 18 options (including a deconstructed baked potato version and a taco-style alternative that the whole family will rave about!). Keep reading to gain serious dinner inspo from all things shepherd’s pie.

Bacon Cheeseburger Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (1) No need for a double-take. You can easily turn your favorite bacon cheeseburger into shepherd’s pie with the simple addition of a few bun-worthy ingredients. (via Four Generations One Roof)

Buffalo Chicken Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (2) Some people need to have hot sauce with every meal, and this chicken pie definitely brings the heat. Top with blue cheese mashed potatoes to cool things down, and you’ll have a perfect Buffalo balance. (via Flying on Jess Fuel)

Vegan Butternut Squash Shepherd’s Pie With Lentils and Mushrooms

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (3) This meat and dairy-free recipe will be adored by meat-eaters and vegans alike. Swap the typical mashed potato top with butternut squash for a sweet addition to the dish. (via Will Frolic for Food)

Chicken Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (4) No beef? No problem! Substitute chopped chicken, and while you’re at it, add a bit of curry powder for an interesting Indian element. (via Simply Stacie)

Easy Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (5) One pot is all you need to create a stick-to-your-ribs dinner in no time. The leftovers freeze wonderfully, so you *may* want to make extra to save for later. (via Veggie Balance)

Vegetarian Enchilada Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (6) When you get tired of the same old enchiladas, shake things up with this veggie shepherd’s pie. Mash up a sweet potato top to go with the Mexican-inspired flavors inside the pie. (via Girl Adulting)

Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (7) Based on the meaty lentil filling, you would never guess this meal is vegan AND gluten-free. Serve in individual oven-safe bowls and top with a chiffonade of fresh basil. (via One Ingredient Chef)

Mashed Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (8) Paleo peeps rejoice! This low-carb shepherd’s pie is loaded with protein and topped with a light layer of delicious mashed cauliflower so you can indulge in one of your favorite comfort foods of days past. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Mushroom and Cauliflower Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (9) Mushrooms add a rich layer of earthy flavor to this rustic dish. Trust us: You’ll want to have extras for an epic lunch the next day. (via Delicious Everyday)

Easy Paleo Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (10) Cavemen wish they’d been able to eat this well. Show your ancestors who’s boss and whip up this simple and flavorful shepherd’s pie that still fits with the Paleo lifestyle. (via Paleo Grubs)

Guinness Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (11) Beer and shepherd’s pie are a match made in heaven. The good news is that you only need a little of the Guinness to flavor the filling and you get to finish the rest while you cook. Score! (via Confetti and Bliss)

Shepherd’s Pie Loaded Baked Potatoes

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (12) Turn the tables on the classic pie and try spooning the filling into a baked potato. Top with plenty of shredded cheddar and serve with a side salad to complete the fun meal. (via Cupcakes and Kale Chips)

Moroccan Shepherd’s Pie With Sweet Potato

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (13) Your shepherd’s pie flavor options aren’t limited to Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. This Moroccan preparation is bursting with African flavors that’ll change the way you cook it forever. (via Our Four Forks)

Chorizo Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (14) Infuse a ton of spice into your dinner by using chorizo as your protein. Sprinkle pepper jack over the top of the mashed potatoes and garnish with green onions to bring the whole thing together. (via Must Love Home)

Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (15) Why dirty more dishes than you have to, right? Layer everything in the same cast iron skillet you made your filling in and you can spend more time enjoying your impressive dinner. (via Jo Cooks)

Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (16) If you like your shepherd’s pie more on the soupy side, this slow cooker variation will be your new fave. Spoon everything into a bowl and serve with crusty bread for sopping up all of those flavorful juices. (via Yellow Bliss Road)

Taco Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (17) Your taco Tuesday just got a major makeover. Toss the flimsy tortillas and try this shepherd’s pie out next time you get a craving for your usual taco filling. (via Noshtastic)

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (18) Red wine braised veggies and chickpeas make up this vegan filling that your belly will love. Top with mashed sweet potato and rosemary- and garlic-scented breadcrumbs for that last bit of lovely crunch. (via Jamie Oliver)

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Paige Johnson

Paige is a blogger, food writer and culinary master from Louisville, Ky. She's a newlywed who's obsessed with dogs and renovating her 117 year old home. When she's not working on her blog — My Modern Cookery — you can find her binge watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S with a triple shot latte in-hand.

18 Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Recipes for Any Taste or Diet (2024)

FAQs

How do you thicken shepherd's pie? ›

The easiest way to thicken shepherd's pie filling is by sprinkling a few tablespoons of flour into the ground beef mixture as it cooks before adding it to the baking dish. The starch in the flour will absorb the extra liquid and create a thick gravy.

Does Ina Garten have a recipe for shepherd's pie? ›

I tried making Ina Garten's recipe for shepherd's pie. The meal was easy to prepare and was large enough to feed a whole family. The pie's filling was flavorful and savory, while the mashed potatoes were perfectly creamy.

Does shepherds pie have a lot of sodium? ›

Nutritional analysis (per serving):

922 calories. 34g protein. 72g fat. 931mg sodium.

Why is flour used in shepherds pie? ›

This shepherd's pie recipe uses 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the gravy but if you feel like the meat mixture is too watery, add in another tablespoon and stir to combine. You may also try simmering the mince mixture for longer so that the stock reduces down and thickens.

How do you keep shepherds pie from falling apart? ›

How do you keep shepherds pie from falling apart? The eggs in the mashed potatoes help keep the pie together. You should also make sure to spread the potatoes and press down a bit.

What is the best thickener for pie filling? ›

All-purpose flour is an easy solution, as you're sure to have it in your pantry. Since it's lower in starch, you'll use more of it than you would higher-starch thickeners. Quick-cooking tapioca makes filling bright and clear, but also gives it a stippled and somewhat sticky texture.

What is duch*ess pie? ›

duch*ess Pie: sour cream custard studded with. blackberries, topped with oat crumble. Creamy, tart, sweet, crunchy... perfect.

What is traditional shepherd's pie made of? ›

Classic Shepherd's Pie is a comforting casserole that consists of ground lamb, carrots, and peas simmered with Guinness, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs and topped with a cheesy mashed potato layer that's baked until golden and crisp.

What is a shepherds pie called when it is made from beef? ›

The two English terms have been used interchangeably since they came into use in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, although some writers insist that a shepherd's pie should contain lamb or mutton, and a cottage pie, beef.

Is Shepherd's Pie good for you? ›

This ultimate comfort food can be quite unhealthy, with lots of butter in the mash and pushing up your saturated fat intake. Here are a few ideas to make this classic a little healthier and just as tasty.

How do you make shepherd's pie less salty? ›

Add Dairy. Milk can go a long way in solving the salty gravy (or sauce) problem. The creaminess in milk and other dairy products desensitizes your taste buds, making the sauce taste less salty. Using dairy adds richness, too.

Is shepherds pie soft diet? ›

Some ideas for soft savoury foods are: Meat or vegetarian: casseroles, stews or curries. shepherd's pie or cottage pie.

What to eat with shepherds pie? ›

What to Serve With Shepherd's Pie: 20 Delicious Ideas for a Comforting Dinner
  • 01 of 21. Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread. ...
  • 02 of 21. Classic Caesar Salad. ...
  • 03 of 21. Honey Roasted Carrots. ...
  • 04 of 21. Quick and Easy Yorkshire Pudding. ...
  • 05 of 21. Green Salad. ...
  • 06 of 21. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 07 of 21. Great Garlic Bread. ...
  • 08 of 21.
Feb 7, 2024

Why is my shepherd's pie soggy? ›

Classic shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb, gravy, mashed potatoes, and veggies like peas, corn, celery, and carrots. Why is my shepherd's pie soggy? Avoid a soggy pie by simmering the meat mixture for at least 8 minutes. Be sure to cook down the mixture to remove excess moisture.

How do you keep mash from sinking in shepherds pie? ›

To stop the mash sinking into the filling, allow the meat to cool before topping with the mashed potato. Freeze in individual ovenproof dishes for an easy meal for one.

How do you thicken shepherd's pie without cornstarch? ›

Arrowroot Powder – If you're following the Paleo Diet then Arrowroot Powder is a great alternative to using cornstarch to thicken gravies and sauces.

What to do if your pie is too runny? ›

The best way to thicken runny apple pie filling before baking it is to add some cornstarch, tapioca starch, or flour to your mix. To fix a runny pie that's already been baked, simply let it cool to see if it will congeal naturally. If not, you can stick it back in the oven for a bit longer.

What is the best thickener for meat pies? ›

FINO PIE THICKENING is a balanced blend of cereals and starches especially designed for thickening and stabilising pie meat.

Is cornstarch or flour better for thickening pie? ›

Which one you use is a matter of personal preference. Cornstarch makes for a shiny, glossy filling. A little goes a long way because it has twice the gelling power of flour. Flour thickens nicely but leaves more of a matte finish.

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